Norfolk patients set to benefit from new eye clinic

The Central Norwich Eye Clinic, set to treat patients with conditions such as glaucoma, wet aged-related macular degeneration and those needing minor eye surgery, has been officially opened. The new clinic, designed by LSI Architects, offers substantial improvements to accessibility to and within the clinic.

Sarah Burton,  Architectural Technologist at LSI Architects commented that “the design removes obstacles that can be a barrier to many visiting a healthcare building. The renovated courtyard garden has made a safe approach for those with disabilities and is an enhancement for all. Further internal upgrades include widening doorways, opening-up waiting areas and providing more disabled WCs.”

Additional nurses and optometrists are being recruited to meet the increasing demand for eye care.  The NNUH eye service is one of the busiest in the country seeing over 100,000 patients each year.

Mr Colin Jones, Ophthalmic Consultant and Clinical Director Ophthalmology at NNUH, says:  “With an ageing population the demand for eye care is increasing and the new clinic will boost capacity, enable patients who live in the city itself easier access to care, and help us to provide a timely service for our patients.”

The building has been refurbished to create three clinic rooms, each with new equipment, at premises previously used by NNUH for family planning services.   The mobile eye screeners will also see patients at the new clinic.

NNUH has worked collaboratively with Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd to develop the new facilities.  Novartis works jointly with the NHS to develop accessible and high quality eye services across the country.